We all have numerous joints in our body, and yet 13 of these are vital to our structure, to our balance, to the movement of energy everyday.

To the FLOW of life itself

Ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists and spine. In Nia, we call these the 13 main joints, and by consciously activating these 13 joints everyday, we bring the vitality and youthfulness that our bones and muscles crave.
We FLOW from the Earth all the way up our body!

Join me in class this week, as we FLOW into the new Nia routine with grace, ease, and Natural Time. Everyday, I will be FLOWing with a song or two from this fantastic routine, in anticipation of a Nia Belt gathering on Friday afternoon, where we will be dancing the routine together, learning and growing our commUNITY, as we get ready to introduce it!

I find myself on the other side of an amazing experience that is imprinted in my cells, vibrating forever at a higher frequency.

I have been deep in the manifestation process of producing James Asher (CELL-ebrate musician extraordinaire) and Arthur Hull (Creator of Village Music Circles), for a fantastic commUNITY building Drum Circle Facilitation Playshop. It is truly a story of CONNECTION. From a cellular perspective, it is connective tissue from the inside out.

They traveled to San Antonio for the first time, from the UK and California, to grace us with their time, dedication and gifts. A fantastic week of sharing, dreaming, creating, and manifesting ensued.

It all began over 2 years ago, when I was choosing the music for an upcoming Nia routine. I was drawn to a CD by James Asher, called Drum Travel. One song in particular, ‘Hey Wanaina,’ held a deeper connection to my love of singing and chanting, as well as the Native American languages from my birth state of Oklahoma.

I wrote James’ website to inquire what the words meant in this beautiful song, and he wrote me back personally within 15 minutes!

James wrote, “I have no idea what the words mean. I do find when combined with music, there is a language resulting, which transcends literal meaning. I invite you to enter a similar space where reaching beyond literal words, we achieve an attunement to the heart where we can leave such details way behind. Best Wishes, James”

We have continued our conversations about music, dance, healing and heart connections to this day. Through the power of the internet, James suggested that we Skype when his dear friend Arthur Hull was visiting from California. The Skype conversation catapulted into more creative avenues, including James drumming live for our Nia FreeDance training in Wales, and a ‘triad’ collaboration of James, Arthur and me that resulted in a new CD released in February called ‘Drum Distillery.’

When asked about the possibility of the three of us getting together in San Antonio, I jumped at the opportunity!

From there, the tentacles of commUNITY grew…

We spent a week, traveling through the beautiful Texas Hill Country, spending time on the Blanco River in Wimberley, experiencing an amazing Drum Circle in Austin, and culminating in a weekend Drum Circle Facilitation Playshop in San Antonio with 27 participants, including Arthur, James and me.

The CONNECTION web grew even larger when we received notice that The Synergy Studio was given the ‘go’ for a non-profit 501(c)(3) arm, called The Synergy Studio Community. In less than three weeks, we raised enough financial support to fund 5 people for the weekend from our greater non-profit sector, allowing the healing power of drum circles to expand.

With Drum Circle Facilitators in place, The Children’s Rehabilitation Institute, SAMMinistries, Alpha Home, Haven for Hope, as well as Ft. Sam Houston, will now have people who can bring commUNITY and healing to these populations. Benefiting from CONNECTION to the drum beat of their heart, the heart of others, as well as the heart of Mother Earth, drum circles will be happening all over San Antonio!

What does this all mean from a deep cellular level? Our cells are microcosms of the Universe, spiraling in motion, changing moment to moment. Our cells are living organisms that are affected by our words, our actions, and our intentions. When we dance, when we drum, and even when we smile, our cells are affected. When we think positive thoughts, speak empowering words and share positive vibrations with others, we are healing from the inside out. WE are making a difference one body at a time, starting with ourSELF.

We can BE the change that we want to see in the world, if we go to that deep level of appreciation for each breath, each movement, each cell.

I love setting intentions everyday. While we have the term “New Year’s Resolution”, a resolution means ‘a firm decision to do or not do something: the action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter.’ An intention is ‘a thing intended: an aim or plan.’ Doesn’t the word intention resonate differently, in a positive way?

Energy truly does follow intention, and when we give our ‘attention’ to a positive ‘intention,’ the energy flows that direction. This is the power of affirmations, of setting positive intentions on a daily, yearly and even moment to moment basis.

My word for the year… Transformation. As I look ahead to a year of Transformation, the known as well as unknown, I am reminded to take one breath. I take one breath of courage, and say my positive affirmation “Now I am transforming.” Set into motion with my breath, the ‘Transformation’ auto-magically happens. It happens moment to moment and my body is filled with life-force energy, love and courage to move forward.

How about you? What is your intention for this moment? For this day? For 2018?

From the wise Madisyn Taylor of Daily Om… Our destinies are one of the greatest assets we possess, so we serve ourselves well when we are careful to always make decisions that are reflective of both the values we hold dear and the goals we hope to someday accomplish. We should not let our tentative approach to potentially life-altering decisions interfere with our enthusiasm for those paths that lie untrodden, however.

Great care is most effective when paired with a sincere eagerness that ensures that we do not become paralyzed by uncertainty. We are willing to subject ourselves to choices that are challenging because we understand that there are wonderful rewards waiting for us in the future if we are willing to do what it takes to reach them. Today the caution with which we make decisions will help guarantee that our worldly endeavors will eventually be met with success.

How often do you practice something that is an integral part of your life? How often do you give conscious attention to this integral practice?

The power of practice continues to bring more clarity to my life on a daily basis. Isolating to integrate is not something I do and then release, saying “I got it.” Continuing to consciously practice every day is what keeps me on point. This week has been a perfect example.

One of the many practices from the Nia White Belt that are integral to my life is the awareness of my four energy allies. Not taking anything personally, not assuming anything, speaking impeccably, and always doing my best are present with me every day. Practicing them with consciousness sometimes takes an outside push.

Wednesday, I had three sibling millennials in my class who were new to the studio as well as new to Nia, one man and two women. Speaking impeccably, I set the focus for class and gave a 2 minute explanation of Nia, as we gathered in a circle. They were engaged and seemed excited to move with us. We danced the routine Humanity, as I did my best to deliver the Nia promise, a systemic, full body experience. We were moving, shaking and getting a great work-out.

Throughout class, the millennials would suddenly stop moving and go to the back of the room, pick up their phones, and start talking to one another. They would enter and exit the class randomly, laughing and chatting. The good news? The rest of the class was fully engaged and not bothered by the disruption. Not assuming anything, I continued to teach a full-on class.

45 minutes into class, the millennials left. Did I take it personally? Absolutely not. After 20+ years of teaching and keeping my energy allies with me all the time, I know that I don’t know what they thought, whether they enjoyed class, or whether I will see them again at the studio. While I truly believe that Nia is for everyBody, I also know that people come to Nia when they are ready.

Did I feel sadness around a generation of adults who are so attached to their cell phones that an hour is difficult to let go and truly experience sensations in their body, and the healing power of movement? Absolutely.

Thursday morning came around along with one of my favorite classes to teach, Nia FreeDance at 9:15am. Three different millennials came to class, two who were brand new to Nia FreeDance. Guess what? They LOVED it, and want to include it in their weekly practice!

This morning, I taught Sanctuary, to a room full of lovely beings. Four were experiencing Nia for the first time, three of them visiting from New York and North Texas… and three of them were millennials! After class, the new students stayed after class, and we had an amazing conversation about Nia, the power of movement for healing, and the accessibility of this amazing practice for everyBody… every BODY when they are ready. Yesterday and today’s class of millennials were ready, and they loved the practice. They loved experiencing the magic healing medicine of Nia.

What I know from this week.. I spoke impeccably, did not assume anything, did my best, and did not take anything personally… all while delivering the Nia promise. Did it take 20+ years of teaching to get me there? No. It was giving conscious attention to a practice that is integral to my life, to my health and wellness as a human being.

We are given so many amazing practices in the Nia White Belt. They are true gifts for living, present with our greatest companion and best friend, our body.

I have been teaching CELL-ebrate this week, a routine I created for Nia Technique, and one that is available to watch and experience on NiaTV... anytime, and anywhere!

This week has been unique in my delivery. A letting go and truly flowing with MY Body’s Way, and listening to what MY body needs. It has been a personal testament to the power of Nia. An affirmative promise of Nia as a lifestyle practice for everyBODY.

My focus this week, ‘Shaking is Medicine’ has emphasized the importance of shaking our bones to release tension, activate the breath, and strengthen the density of the bones themselves. Beyond the physical, shaking moves emotion, opens spaces for creativity to flow, as well as gives an expansiveness to each individual, the essence of everyBODY.

CELL-ebrate is a routine with simple katas, organized choreography that is sequenced in patterns, as well as true freedom of movement we call Freedance. A highpoint of this routine is its adaptability for people with movement issues…those in a wheelchair, dealing with injuries, as well as many other challenges that keep people away from ‘exercise.’ It is also a routine that can be enjoyed as a full body ‘workout’ by athletes, both young and old. AND, it can be experienced with all of these diverse populations in the same room, all moving with their bodies ability, with THEIR body’s way.

In this morning’s class, I had a young woman in her early 20’s experiencing Nia for the 2nd time, as well as many men and women of various ages and abilities, including one woman celebrating a 70+ birthday this week. ALL were experiencing Nia 5 Stages, Nia 52 Moves, Nia 7 class cycles, in THEIR body’s way. ALL experienced the form and freedom of Nia in THEIR body’s way.

Everyone stayed after class to hear more about NiaTV, as well as bask in THEIR body’s sensation.

Nia IS truly for everyBODY. If we as teachers model the potential and possibilities, seeing everyone in their uniqueness and taking the time to be inclusive in our delivery, WE can increase the number of people who love this practice, as well as spread the gift of health and wellness to the world. Yes WE can.

WE can make a difference… one body, one smile, one person at a time… to BE the change.

Our world is moving at such a fast pace, and nano-seconds can mean change. In reality, change is THE only constant in life…. an oxymoron TRUTH, as experienced by our cellular body. Every 7 years, our cells are completely replaced by new ones. I LOVE that knowledge, encouraging me to move, explore, create and sense change in my body.

This week we are celebrating a fellow Nia Trainer coming to our studio.

Kelle Rae Oien, Nia 52 Moves/IT Trainer

Kelle Rae Oien is the creator of the Nia 52 Moves/IT training, along with Debbie Rosas. Kelle is AWESOME! She is also the creator of one of the latest Nia routines to be released, SACRED.

While many of you have danced SACRED, and might even be teaching it, it is important to remember that staying fresh with change is what keeps us youthful, engaged and open.

Kelle is starting the weekend with a Friday night class at 5:30, teaching an adaptation of her routine SACRED, called PROFANE. It is going to be a wonderful way for all of us to experience change by using moves that are familiar to different music. FUN!

You can use your Synergy card for this class, as well as the Nia 52 Moves/IT classes that Kelle will be teaching over the weekend, Saturday at 9:30 and Sunday at 11:00. ***NOTE: No Sunday Nia 4:00 class***

Have you thought about signing up to take the entire weekend with our dynamic friend? Don’t hesitate! Students, teachers, belts… it is for everyBody. She will not be coming back anytime soon, and life is WAY too short to not take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities that come to The Synergy Studio and our community!

AND… I will be teaching SACRED this week, in preparation for Kelle’s adaptation. Come brush up or experience for the first time this great routine, then return on Friday at 5:30 for CHANGE, THE only constant in life!

“Passion is what drives us crazy, what makes us do extraordinary things, to discover, to challenge ourselves. Passion is and should always be the heart of courage.” ― Midori Komatsu

On Passion and Courage…

When 2017 began, I sent a word up into the ethers, with a poof of smoke. For 11 years, we have had a New Year’s Day event at The Synergy Studio that starts with amazing musicians playing music, goes into intention setting and a burning bowl ceremony, and ends with a FUN-tastic drum and dance circle. We welcome the New Year in style, and this coming year will be no different.

I pick a word every year that comes from a place deep inside me, a place I call Spirit. This year, my word is courage. While I had no idea why the word came, or what it meant for the coming year, it was perfect, as always.

Most of you know that I’m a very passionate person… passion is the reason I get up every day and love what I do. Passion is why I built The Synergy Studio. Passion is what brings a smile to my face and a dance to my heart.

Passion and Courage go hand in hand. As Midori says at the top of this blog, “Passion is and should always be the heart of courage.”

There is a lot more to say about passion and courage in the coming year. Ask yourself what courage and passion mean to you, and bring yourself to the dance floor to move, explore and create, finding answers in your dance.

I found a great article in Psychology Today, on the 6 attributes of courage:

“Go back?” he thought. “No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!” So up he got, and trotted along with his little sword held in front of him and one hand feeling the wall, and his heart all of a patter and a pitter.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

A few more things to share…

I am an Aquarian and my horoscope for today follows. While I’m not very big on reading horoscopes, this one came as a present today encouraging me to stay on the path. Its about passion…

You could notice that your passion for life may heighten your enthusiasm for your activities today. Your enthusiasm might be the result of your desire to engage fully in your life rather than letting things simply happen to you. Giving your undivided attention to everything you do today can help you infuse all of your activities with greater passion. While working, playing sports, or being with your partner, you might take a moment to stop and breathe. This lets you become aware of the present moment. As your awareness develops you can bring your focus to whatever you are doing or the person you are with and reflect upon what it is about that activity or person that energizes you. Understanding what excites you could ignite an even greater feeling of passion.

Learning to appreciate the moment and see what stimulates us kindles our enthusiasm even more. Since passion is a hot emotion that is spontaneous and natural, we do not often pay attention to the deeper feelings it engenders–we simply go along with the flow of our feelings. Taking the time to consider what it is about our passion that keeps us engaged, however, allows us to become more conscious of the true nature of our delight. Knowing this gives us insight into what feeds our spirits and helps us learn how to maintain our enthusiasm. By recognizing what drives you today, you will throw yourself into your activities with more awareness of what inspires you and cultivate a greater zeal for living fully.

As I travel today from the majestic mountains surrounding Crested Butte, Colorado, to the sea level beauty of San Antonio, I am inspired, motivated and ready to let the juices of creativity flow.

There is nothing more beautiful than Mother Nature shining her light, and reminding me of the simplicity of gratitude that is present all around me. Every moment, every breath, every opportunity to put on new eyes, and say thank you. Eyes that look out, absorbing the beauty and inspiration that motivates me to take the next step forward, doing my best to BE the change that I want to see in the world.

From Santa Fe, and the Men of Nia last weekend, to Crested Butte and the splendor of the Great Mother, I am ready to come home. Dancing with you and sharing the gift of health and wellness, is the greatest gift that I can receive. Thank YOU!

SEE you this week on the dance floor, with both Nia and Yoga as a backdrop for the gratitude that I feel inside.

We have 2 AMAZING fellow Nia Trainers coming to San Antonio, sharing their knowledge and expertise, as we dive deeper into the lifestyle practice we all love so much… Nia!

Sign-ups are happening, so jump in! It really helps ALL of us with planning if you sign up well in advance… me, fellow trainers, and the studio.

Joanie and I have been sooo supported in multiple communities around the world, as we travel teaching Nia FreeDance. Let’s show both Kelle and Laurie that same support!

These two amazing people are the co-creators of Nia 52 Moves/Move IT *Kelle, and Nia 5 Stages *Laurie. It is an honor to have them visit our fantastic community, and beautiful city.

Many of you ask me how we can grow our community at The Synergy Studio… THIS is it! ☺

I have enclosed a flyer from Kelle, and more information about Nia 5 Stages from Laurie, including a video and FAQ’s. These weekends are for teachers as well as students! YOU will learn sooo much from these extraordinary Nia Trainers!

Q. Is the 5 STAGES for me? A. This training is for everybody with a desire to move with a fluid, graceful ease for life. Whether you are a Nia teacher, belt grad or mover of any modality, it is the perfect accompaniment for any movement, fitness or sport practice. It will enhance any profession – movement or otherwise. For lovers of movement and the body, the study of the body’s way of anatomy in motion. It is for able-bodies who can move from the ground up. You will be trained to teach adaptations.

Q. Beyond the Nia teacher, practitioner or movement lover, who is the 5 STAGES training ideal for? A. Professionals in the health, wellness, therapy, rehab and somatic fields have taken the training to engage in a personal practice and add professional skills.

Q. Will we be moving for the entire day? A. No. The Training is beautifully paced, alternating between movement sessions and discussion times designed to give our bodies a chance to rest and recharge. Honor your body by self-guiding and adapting. Students have successfully completed 5 STAGES while while healing medical conditions that necessitated limited movement. Your unique pace is perfect.

Q. Is there Pre-training? A. Optional to prepare before or review after: a self-paced study that includes reading material, 2 dvds and cd sessions with Debbie Rosas – creator – on the architecture, energy flow, body’s way anatomy and voice. I will have extra sets if you sign up close to the date. It is rich in content to put you at ease.

Q. Is there a test? A. No. However, there are self-assessments that you may complete at home to hone the language of the practice as well as your knowledge. Q. How do I know if I’m ready to do 5 STAGES? A. If you’ve gotten this far, that’s a sure sign that you ARE ready . Truly. You are. As is. No matter your exposure or experience.

Q. Can I become a 5 STAGES teacher? A. Upon completion of all sessions, you become a 5 STAGES graduate. In the Nia system, graduates who are current Livelihood Members are automatically licensed to teach. A dedicated 5 STAGES license is available to non-livelihood members ($170) and gives you access to a comprehensive post-training program.

Q. What is the GREATEST personal benefit? A. #1, you will have developed a life practice to increase the power, pleasure and grace of living in your body. #2 The 52 post-training Lesson Plans as a somatic self-study is phenomenal. #3 Like all Nia trainings, all practices translate into lifestyle tools.

Q. What is the GREATEST professional benefit? A. #1 – physical sustainability. #2 – mastery of your voice. #3 To enhance your Nia teaching (greater access to physical pearls) or any profession, as well as the way you communicate in your life.

Q. Got a Q that isn’t covered? A. Shoot me an e-mail (laurie.bass@nianow.com) and I will answer. How to register 1. Register at NiaNow with 50% of the tuition by clicking: (INFO + REGISTER ) 2. You will be invoiced for the other 50% (instruction fee) by Laurie